Listowel report:Ponmeoath fulfilled a life-long ambition for Eric McNamara when successful in yesterday's Guinness Kerry National at Listowel.

Given a peach of a ride by 21-year-old Paddy Flood, the 14 to 1 shot took up the running before two out and stayed on stoutly to beat Ballycullen Boy by a length with Ballyagran five and a half lengths back in third.

"The Kerry National is a race I've always wanted to win and we've had it mapped out for this fellow ever since he ran fourth in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham in March," said the delighted Co Limerick handler.

"We decided we'd give him one go at winning this race and it's all worked out to perfection. Paddy gave him a fabulous ride and a very confident one," added McNamara.

Asked about future plans, he went on: "We might possibly go to Cheltenham in November, or for the Munster National at Limerick (October 14th).

"He wouldn't really be big enough for the Aintree National, he's more of an Irish National-type than Aintree."

The seven-year-old is owned by the Jolly Up syndicate that includes John O'Halloran, who scored a goal for Cork in the 1966 All-Ireland Hurling final against Kilkenny.

The seven-year-old was settled in mid-division throughout the early stages before making noticeable headway just after the halfway stage.

After disputing the lead with eventual runner-up Ballycullen Boy from some way out, the 14 to 1 scorer took a definite advantage approaching the penultimate obstacle. He stayed on gamely from that point to deny the Maureen Danagher-trained 6 to 1 chance by a length, while Ballyagran and Darby Wall took third and fourth respectively.

Il En Reve had set a decent early pace in company with Time To Sell and Ballycullen Boy, while British raider Openide was also in contention early.

However, as the runners streamed away from the stands for the final circuit, it was 11 to 2 joint-favourite Ballyagran and Ponmeoath who appeared to be going the smoothest.

Ballycullen Boy still enjoyed a share of the lead on turning for home, but when Flood asked Ponmeoath to stamp his authority on the race, his mount quickly went a couple lengths ahead.

That initial gap proved decisive, for while Ballycullen Boy was staying on dourly and making inroads on the run to the line, he never looked like overhauling the winner.

Ballyagran stayed on well for third once push came to shove, while Darby Wall kept on for a never-nearer fourth.

Pat Smullen registered his 79th winner of the season when landing the 1m 4f winners' race, but nearest rival in the jockeys' title race, Declan McDonogh, hit back with winner number 62 when scoring aboard the filly Oriental Melody in the 7f auction maiden.

French Accordion stayed on well to foil a gamble on Pom Flyer (7 to 2 fav from 8 to 1) in the handicap chase.